Can I get a COVID-19 test at PCC?

Yes, PCC is able to provide COVID-19 testing to anyone with or without symptoms, regardless of other risk factors or contacts. PCC is offering this testing to anyone from our communities, even if not currently a PCC patient. Same-day testing is available. If you call by 12 pm, the test can often be done the same day, pending availability. 

Do I need an appointment to get tested?

Yes, testing is by appointment only. Patients who are interested in testing, or have questions about COVID-19, should call their local PCC site, those new to PCC can call 708-386-0845; they will speak with a PCC nurse or nurses. Providers can speak with patients in English or Spanish.

Where do I go to get tested?

Once you have an appointment scheduled, you will be informed of the location. Testing is performed at all PCC site locations (drive up available).

• PCC Austin Family Health Center, 5425 W. Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60644
Wednesdays at 1 pm

• PCC Salud Family Health Center, 5359 W. Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60639
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30 pm

How do I know if I should get tested?

Anyone with symptoms, regardless of their vaccination status, should be tested. Symptoms as currently defined by CDC include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Any two of the following:
  • Fever (100.0 F or higher)
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Vomiting or diarrhea can also be considered as possible symptoms

People who have had COVID-19 should not be tested again within 90 days. Most people are immune for at least 90 days, and in some people the test can be positive long after the person recovers.

What if I don't have any symptoms? Can I get tested?

Yes, PCC is testing individuals without symptoms, particularly if you have a virus or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Anyone who is exposed to someone with COVID should be tested, even if you have been vaccinated.

• If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, wear a mask around other people as soon as you find out you have been exposed. Wear the mask a full ten days after exposer.

How quickly will I get my results?

• We do lab-based molecular (PCR) testing. Results are usually available within 48 hours and often the next day.
• If you have symptoms, you will be offered a rapid antigen test.  These results are available in 15 minutes.  
• If the rapid test is negative, we also send a molecular test to the lab to confirm the result.  There is a very low rate of false positive rapid results, so if the rapid result is positive, that does not require confirmation.